‘Glimpses Into My Own Literary Character’

Abstract

In my sixth year¹ for some lines on virtue which I had penned with great care I received from Papa a ten shilling note enclosed in a letter which was addressed to the Poet Laureate of Hope End;² I mention this because I received much more pleasure from the word Poet than from the ten shilling note—I did not understand the meaning of the word Laureate, but it being explained to me by my dearest Mama, the idea first presented itself to me of celebrating our birthdays by my verse.³ ‘Poet Laureate of Hope End’ was too great a title to lose.